America East Conference Preview: Battle of the Northeast
Conference Overview
Kicking off the 2024-2025 season, we begin with our conference previews with the America East. Few teams in the nation have shown as much consistency as the Vermont Catamounts. Last season, Vermont went 15-1 in conference play and capped it off with their third straight conference tournament title, defeating UMass Lowell in a repeat matchup. With more America East championships than the rest of the conference combined, Vermont has established themselves as the team to beat every season. Unfortunately, that success has not translated into March Madness as Vermont has not advanced past the first round in their last 7 attempts.
As Vermont aims to secure their 4th straight title, they face strong contenders in UMass Lowell and Bryant. Having lost the last two seasons in the America East Championship, UMass Lowell is still seeking its first NCAA Tournament bid since joining Division I back in 2013. This year’s roster features four returning double-digit scorers, providing a strong foundation. Meanwhile, Bryant has posted two strong seasons since joining the conference back in 2022 and returns Player of the Year candidate, Earl Timberlake.
Despite portal issues plaguing other conferences, every America East team (except New Hampshire) brings back at least 1 double-digit scorer, maintaining a strong level of familiarity. Albany is hoping for an opportunity to challenge for the title this season as it brings in one of the stronger transfer classes attempting to secure a top-four seed in the America East Tournament. The significance of conference season is always heightened, as the America East is still one of the rare conferences without a neutral-site tournament. Finishing in the top four of the standings guarantees a critical home game in the first round of the tournament.
UMBC, Maine, and Binghamton bring back strong returning groups and feature their own Player of the Year candidates: Marcus Banks, Jr., Kellen Tynes, and Tymu Chenery. With two of the younger teams in the conference, New Hampshire and NJIT both bring in a large group of freshmen with four and six, respectively. With Vermont intent on capturing their fourth consecutive title, this season’s competition may prove to be the toughest they have faced yet.
Projected Standings
- Vermont
- UMass Lowell
- Bryant
- Albany
- UMBC
- Maine
- Binghamton
- New Hampshire
- NJIT
Projected Award Winners
Player of the Year: Earl Timberlake, Bryant
Defensive Player of the Year: Shamir Bogues, Vermont
Newcomer of the Year: DeMarr Langford, Albany
Freshman of the Year: Caleb Middleton, New Hampshire
Coach of the Year: John Becker, Vermont
Projected All-Conference First Team
Shamir Bogues, Vermont
Marcus Banks, Jr., UMBC
Amar’e Marshall, Albany
Earl Timberlake, Bryant
Max Brooks, UMass Lowell
Albany Great Danes
Projected Starters:
PG: Byron Joshua (11.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.2 apg @ Alcorn State)
SG: Amar’e Marshall (16.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.1 apg)
SF: DeMarr Langford (1.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.4 apg @ UCF)
PF: Aaron Reddish (7.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.6 apg)
C: Kacper Klaczek (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.0 apg @ Saint Joseph’s Hawks)
6M: Sultan Adawale (3.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.3 apg @ Iona)
Analysis
Bringing back prolific scorer Amar’e Marshall after losing leading scorer, Sebastian Thomas (19.6 ppg) is an encouraging sign for a Great Danes team aiming to finish in the top-half of the standings. Marshall’s offensive prowess should help a team designed mainly around defense. Joining Marshall in the backcourt is Alcorn State transfer Byron Joshua, who will make the tough step-up from the SWAC to the America East.
A large part of Albany’s success hinges on Power 5 transfer, DeMarr Langford, a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year. Back in 2022, Langford averaged 11.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 2.3 apg for Boston College in the ACC. The starting nod at center will go to strong defender Kacper Klaczek coming in from Saint Joe’s. Rounding out the starting five, returner Aaron Reddish most likely will see the most minutes at power forward.
Binghamton Bearcats
Projected Starters:
PG: Jayden Lemond (1.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.8 apg @ William & Mary)
SG: Dominic Capriotti (7.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.7 apg @ Houston Christian)
SF: Tymu Chenery (14.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.5 apg)
PF: Nehemiah Benson (10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 apg)
C: Gavin Walsh (5.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.6 apg)
6M: Jackson Benigni (11.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.0 apg @ Stonehill)
Analysis
Binghamton is one of the rare teams that did not lose any players to the transfer portal this offseason. Even better, they return their leading scorer, wing Tymu Chenery. Alongside Chenery, the Bearcats bring back fifth-year forward Nehemiah Benson, who played a pivotal role last year. Binghamton’s leadership and overall success will heavily depend on the efforts of both Chenery and Benson.
The team’s backcourt has a new look with William & Mary transfer Jayden Lemond and Southland Freshman of the Year Dominic Capriotti. Before committing to William & Mary, Lemond had eleven offers from Power 5 programs, including UConn, but saw limited action last season. Capriotti fills Binghamton’s need for a great three-point shooter as it was one of their primary weaknesses last year. Rounding out the projected starting five is returner Gavin Walsh, expected to play a large role at the 5.
Bryant Bulldogs
Projected Starters:
PG: Jakai Robinson (1.0 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.3 apg @ Miami)
SG: Rafael Pinzon (13.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.7 apg)
SF: Earl Timberlake (14.6 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.9 apg)
PF: Connor Withers (6.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.8 apg)
C: Barry Evans (3.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.3 apg @ St. Bonaventure)
6M: Kvonn Cramer (6.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.5 apg) *2022-2023 Stats*
Analysis
The Bulldogs are thrilled to return their leading scorer and 1st Team All-America East, selection Earl Timberlake. Timberlake tested the portal, but ultimately chose to return to Bryant., positioning himself as a strong favorite to take home Player of the Year. Rafael Pinzon faced a similar decision, entering the portal before deciding to return for his second season. Pinzon played primarily as the sixth-man last season, but will start this season.
Bryant is confident that St. Bonaventure transfer Barry Evans will make a huge contribution on the defensive end. Sixth-year forward Connor Withers returns as a proven 3-point shooter. Outside of Pinzon, Bryant’s guard depth could potentially be an area to watch, as they will rely on former top-100 recruit Jakai Robinson to lead the point. Robinson played sparingly at Miami, but hopes to find consistent minutes for the first time in his career. Bryant’s front court depth is a major strength, with Kvonn Cramer returning from injury, Penn State transfer Favour Aire joining the roster, and sophomore Keyshawn Mitchell expecting to see more minutes.
Maine Black Bears
Projected Starters:
PG: Jaden Clayton (9.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.0 apg)
SG: Kellen Tynes (12.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.6 apg)
SF: AJ Lopez (8.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.7 apg)
PF: Christopher Mantis (5.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.7 apg @ Appalachian State)
C: Ridvan Tutic (3.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.8 apg) *2022-2023 Stats*
6M: Quion Burns (6.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.5 apg)
Analysis
Maine will be led by a strong backcourt featuring two of their top players, Kellen Tynes and Jaden Clayton. Tynes, an excellent defender, is looking to have a rebound year offensively after a drop in shooting numbers last season compared to 2023. Meanwhile, Clayton improved his shooting numbers last season and is poised for a breakout junior season.
Maine’s struggled behind the three-point line last season, shooting below 30% as a team. The addition of Appalachian State transfer Christopher Mantis, should improve that number. Mantis has hit almost 50 three pointers in each of his last two seasons while playing limited minutes and expects to see an uptick in usage with the Black Bears. AJ Lopez came off the bench last season, but expects to start this year. Ridvan Tutic expects to see most of the minutes at center after missing last season with a torn ACL. Maine’s success will heavily depend on their backcourt to carry the scoring load.
New Hampshire Wildcats
Projected Starters:
PG: Sami Pissis (10.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.9 apg @ Chipola JUCO)
SG: Rex Sunderland (3.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.3 apg)
SF: Trey Woodyard (7.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.5 apg)
PF: Dylan Saunders (3.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.2 apg @ Iona)
C: Emmanuel Okpomo (0.7 ppg, 0.9 rpg @ Temple)
6M: Caleb Middleton (FR)
Analysis
New Hampshire enters the season with one of the more inexperienced rosters in the conference, suffering the loss of last year’s Player of the Year, Clarence Daniels, to graduation. Leading the returning group is senior Trey Woodard, who will be expected to take a step-up this season. While Woodyard is a capable three-point shooter, he’ll need to improve his free-throw shooting. Rex Sunderland returns as one of the team’s best defenders, but will need to show an improvement offensively to continue as a starter.
Sophomore Dylan Saunders, an Iona transfer, quickly becomes one of the best shooters on the team and will be given a chance to shine in increased minutes. At center, Emmanuel Okpomo is projected to start despite never playing more than 10 minutes in 4 seasons, though freshman Caleb Middleton could take over the starting role by conference play and is a strong candidate to take home Freshman of the Year. Sami Pissis projects to be the starting point guard for the Wildcats after arriving from Chipola Junior College.
NJIT Highlanders
Projected Starters:
PG: Tariq Francis (14.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.6 apg)
SG: Sebastian Robinson (5.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.9 apg)
SF: Triston Wennersten (15.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.6 apg @ D3 Ithaca)
PF: Tim Moore (15.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 0.8 apg @ D2 Benedict)
C: Levi Lawal (6.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.1 apg)
6M: Ari Fulton (FR)
Analysis
NJIT enters the season as one of the larger question marks due to the addition of six freshmen and two non-D1 transfers likely to crack the starting lineup. However, they return America East Rookie of the Year Tariq Francis, who showcased his ability to score at a high level last season. Alongside Francis in the backcourt, the Highlanders retained their other high-potential freshman guard, Sebastian Robinson. Both Francis and Robinson will be required to take a leap this season if NJIT hopes to avoid the bottom of the conference.
Levi Lawal, who joined as a walk on last season earned a spot on the America East All-Rookie Team and expects to see the majority of time at the 5. At the two forward spots, NJIT adds a solid 3-point shooter in Triston Wennersten, and Tim Moore, and athletic forward from Division II Benedict. Both scored averaged 15 points last season and will be given an opportunity to play significant roles.
UMass Lowell River Hawks
Projected Starters:
PG: Caleb Murphy (5.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.8 apg @ DePaul)
SG: Yuri Covington (10.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.1 apg)
SF: Quinton Mincey (14.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.0 apg)
PF: Cam Morris III (11.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.8 apg)
C: Max Brooks (12.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.6 apg)
6M: Quincy Clark (7.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.0 apg @ Jacksonville State)
Analysis
In the era of the transfer portal, mid-majors often struggle to retain top talent but the River Hawks stand out as a glaring exception. They return four double-digit scorers from last season’s run to the America East Finals. Max Brooks, one of the most consistent players in the conference, is coming off his best statistical year yet and is the leader in the frontcourt alongside Cam Morris III, forming one of the strongest frontcourt duos in the league.
The backcourt is equally strong with Yuri Covington and Quinton Mincey both returning. Mincey, last season’s America East Sixth Man of the Year, is expected to start this season after an excellent campaign. Covington finished the conference season on a tear, scoring 27, 22, 17, and 25 points in a four game stretch and intends to capitalize on that momentum heading into this season. Furthermore, UMass Lowell strengthened their roster through the transfer portal adding two versatile 6-4 guards, Caleb Murphy and Quincy Clark. Murphy and Clark are both gifted defensively and are expected to provide stability to the backcourt. Keep an eye on freshman guard Martin Somerville as a potential breakout candidate.
UMBC Retrievers
Projected Starters:
PG: Ace Valentine (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.7 apg)
SG: Marcus Banks, Jr. (15.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.9 apg)
SF: Bryce Johnson (10.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.6 apg)
PF: Devan Sapp (3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.5 apg)
C: Josh Odunowo (8.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.1 apg @ Columbia)
6M: Chaydon Stone (12.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.3 apg @ New Mexico JUCO)
Analysis
Despite losing leading scorer and breakout star Dion Brown, UMBC returns a strong backcourt led by Marcus Banks, Jr., who will be expected to take on the lead role this season. He is joined by standout freshman, Ace Valentine and the returning Bryce Johnson. Johnson, who missed a large amount of time last season with an MCL injury, is back and ready to contribute. Valentine, one of the team’s top breakout candidates, will be a key factor in the success of UMBC this season. The majority of the scoring will be done by the three guards and could capitalize UMBC to a top-4 spot in conference play.
In the frontcourt, the Retrievers add grad transfer Josh Odunowo from Columbia to hold down the 5 spot. Despite being undersized at 6’6, Odunowo plays larger than his height and is able to guard effectively in the paint. Rounding out the starters is a great three-point shooter, Devan Sapp, who is expected to be the fourth guard in a traditional small-ball UMBC lineup.
Vermont Catamounts
Projected Starters:
PG: Shamir Bogues (11.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 apg)
SG: TJ Long (12.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.4 apg)
SF: TJ Hurley (7.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.8 apg)
PF: Nick Fiorillo (8.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg)
C: Ileri Ayo-Faleye (7.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.0 apg)
6M: Shy Odom (8.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg @ Howard)
Analysis
Once again, Vermont will be the team to beat, returning a group of five projected starters. The standout player is Shamir Bogues, one of the conference’s most efficient players and an excellent defender. He’ll be paired in the backcourt with former Fairfield transfer TJ Long, a great long-range shooter who came up clutch at the buzzer multiple times last year for the Catamounts. Rounding out the backcourt is TJ Hurley, who is ooking to play a more consistent role after showing potential as a capable scorer.
In the frontcourt, elite defender, Ileri-Ayo Faleye intends to capitalize on his key contributions last season. Having both a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in both Vermont’s frontcourt and backcourt is one of the best attributes on a team that continues to improve. Joining Ayo-Faleye is sixth-year forward Nick Fiorillo, who is able to stretch the floor as a three-point threat. Former MEAC Rookie of the Year, Shy Odom joins Vermont and is expected to log a large number of minutes. The Catamounts have excellent depth with both Jace Roquemore and Sam Alamatu expected to play important roles off the bench.
Coming Next
To view the conference preview release schedule, keep up to date with us on X @collegehoopsrpt. Next up is the American Athletic Conference. Thank you for reading and we appreciate all the support!
Cover Image: Photo Credit: America East Conference
